Teachers are known to be voracious readers and likely to impart knowledge from books that they read. We surveyed some educators in Dubai and asked them which books they’d recommend.
Here’s a roundup of books these teachers would recommend and the reasons why.
Jim Stearns has been Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School at Victoria International School, Sharjah (VISS) since August 2014. Jim has taught in a number of UK state and independent schools in his 20+ year career, including over five years as Headmaster of Shoreham College, an all-through primary and secondary school near Brighton, England. A trained physics teacher, Jim has also specialised in the use of IT in education, serving on national advisory committees, writing articles and speaking at conferences on this and other topics.
“As an educator I loved the Dorling Kindersly books, such as ‘How Machines Work’as they really brought their explanations to life with great pictures,” Jim said.
Jim would also recommend “The Horrible Histories” books saying they are “great for engagement.”
But on a personal level, Jim says he enjoyed reading the Roy Grace books by Peter James – great detective novels that are set in Brighton, UK where Jim used to live. “As well as being great stories, the fact that I know the setting so well gives them an extra angle,” he added.
Mark is a successful and ambitious school leader of an outstanding international school. In 2015 Mark was awarded an MBE for his services to education. His focus is on team building, in terms of motivation, personnel and structure, ensuring that the students benefit from these developments. He has a life-long passion for learning ensures that the student is at the heart of all decisions that are made. Holistic education is fundamental to Mark’s philosophy and he believes that learning should not be restricted just to the formal classroom.
‘Winning’ by Sir Clive Woodward
This book is about identifying leaders and how distributed leadership can work with the right people in the right places. It is based around the Rugby World Cup and how England over a period of 6 years went from mediocre to the World’s best.
‘Legacy’ by James Kerr
It is about having a positive and winning mindset. It is based around the journey of the most successful team in sports history, The legendary All Blacks. It is about teamwork, courageous conversations, focus on the goal and many other aspects you need to be successful.
‘Turn the Ship Around’ by David Marquet
The book looks at how strong and successful leaders work around problems and throw the rule book out the window, or better still write new rules in order to be successful. It is based on life inside a USA submarine.
‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain
It is about how quiet people struggle to be heard, but in fact, it is their approach to things that will lead to success. It gives leaders the confidence to realise that just because someone is quiet, it does not mean they do not have anything to contribute, it just means they need to be listened to.
Samantha Steed MEd is Principal of Ranches Primary School Dubai and has over 10 years in school leadership. Her passion for literature ensures that all pupils under her care become avid readers and authors. You can follow Samantha on Twitter @dubaiprincipal
‘Wild Swans’ by Jung Chang
“It’s a beautifully written tale of Mao’s impact on twentieth century China from the perspective of a woman, her mother and her daughter. Whilst it can be heart rendering at times it ultimately uplifts with examples of love, courage and wisdom.”
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
“It is a moving yet magnificent piece of narrative, detailing the corruption and cruelty faced by India’s poorest people. This tale of two tailors doing their best to survive against the odds is both heartbreaking and humbling. The characterization is so strong that I fully believe these people exist.”
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
“A childhood favourite of mine – who could resist entering a world where the characters are called moonface, Silky and Saucepan man? I would have relished a day out at the Magic Faraway Tree with all the bizarre lands that arrived at the top of the branches.”
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